Cheap development board for Windows CE

Question

Hi,

I'm looking for a development board for WinCE, preferably with the following connectors:

• VGA/DVI for screen
• USB for kb/mouse
• Ethernet (10Mbit is OK, 100 would be even better ;-) )
• Storage (eg: SD/MMC/CF cards)

I'm looking for this, because I want to attend the Imagine Cup , Embedded Systems design. And I'm looking for a challenge, ofcourse ;-).

I found a board called HawkBoard (http://www.hawkboard.org), but I want to know if there are alternatives for about the same price (max $200 incl. shipping/customs/taxes). I need the BSP, ofcourse ;-).

Thanks!

Yvan

Answer 1

The BeagleBoard is a good ARM system that costs $150. It has all the features you want, from the product page:

• DVI-D for connecting digital computer monitors
• Compatibility with a huge collection of USB peripherals including hubs, keyboards, mice, WiFi, Bluetooth, web cameras, and much more
• MMC+/SD/SDIO interface for memory or wireless connectivity
• S-Video out for connecting your NTSC or PAL television or wearable visor
• Stereo audio in and out for a microphone and headphones or speakers
• Power via typical USB chargers for cell phones from your laptop, from an automobile adapter, from batteries, or even from a solar backpack

I never tried Windows CE myself, but a google search suggests it's possible, and there's even a video on YouTube.

Another option is Gumstix, and there's a project on codeplex to help you get Windows CE on it.

Answer 2

The eBox 2300/3300 is a low cost device that has been used for past Imagine Cup challenges. It's x86, comes with a BSP, is in an enclosure, is low cost ($195 or $255) and meets most of your needs.

Of course CE has forever shipped with a reference BSP for x86, so you can usually get just about any x86 device working, though most other devices tend to be pretty big physically.

There are also open source CE BSPs available for the BeagleBoard and GumStix.